Mon 21.3.

'Little one-room house with a curve' by Studio Velocity, photo by Kentaro Kurihara, Sudio Velocity

The Japanese architectural practice Studio Velocity realised this 41sqm shop bungalow situated on an elongated site of only 9m width and 20m depth. The curved footprint of the tiny barbershop is devided into 3 distinctive zones: the entrance space, which is not wider than the front door, the cutting space in the middle with its 5 small side windows with a view of the garden and the third area, the widest one, which is the shampoo space in the back. The sites residual spaces became a garden, the drying space, and the parking area.

'Little one-room house with a curve' by Studio Velocity, photo by Kentaro Kurihara, Sudio Velocity

“The shape of the building is something like the volume of the entrance door stretched, and the section at the entrance is only the size of the door. However, the section becomes larger both vertically and horizontally, as one walks into the back, and becomes subtly smaller again at the end.
The volume of the curve was determined by a study to maintain the overall balance of the continuous interior space on its very edge.
I analyzed the degree of curvature to balance two factors: the ability to see throughout all of the continuous space; and the sequence of gradual changes as one walks in”, the architect explains.

'Little one-room house with a curve' by Studio Velocity, photo by Kentaro Kurihara, Sudio Velocity

“This space is the one most filled with natural light from the building’s skylight.
You can look up at the sky from the shampoo basin. You will be attracted by and would like to walk in when you see the brightest, innermost curving space from the entrance.
I am thinking of how I can create something like a new environment by layering the various degrees of light in this gently connected space.”

'Little one-room house with a curve' by Studio Velocity, photo by Kentaro Kurihara, Sudio Velocity

'Little one-room house with a curve' by Studio Velocity, photo by Kentaro Kurihara, Sudio Velocity

'Little one-room house with a curve' by Studio Velocity, photo by Kentaro Kurihara, Sudio Velocity

'Little one-room house with a curve' by Studio Velocity, photo by Kentaro Kurihara, Sudio Velocity

'Little one-room house with a curve' by Studio Velocity, photo by Kentaro Kurihara, Sudio Velocity